The Importance of Having a Colonoscopy

Living with IBS of any form causes enough pain and suffering, wouldn’t you agree? So what are your thoughts when your physician recommends a colonoscopy with your already existing symptoms?

Why does colonoscopy make IBS symptoms worse?

I’ve heard a lot of patients say that getting a colonoscopy makes their IBS symptoms worse. Why is this? One physician suggests that it is actually not the colonoscopy procedure itself that causes worsening IBS symptoms, but the prep prior to having it, and any insult to the gut can take up to months to recover from.¹ After a colonoscopy, gastric and intestinal operations can slow or shut down. This can cause complications such as dyspepsia, gastritis, an obstruction and perforation of the bowels.² Side effects may worsen by the suggestion to increase fiber intake when resuming a normal diet after the procedure. To me, this makes a lot of sense. I will have to admit, the thought of taking a bowel prep with my present IBS symptoms absolutely terrifies me!

Benefits of colonoscopy

Now, let’s talk about the benefits of having a colonoscopy. As a nurse, I will always support and encourage regular health screenings, as many cancers can be prevented through these screenings. The American Cancer Society recommends that colorectal cancer screening should start at age 45. It can find precancerous polyps, which are abnormal growths in the colon or rectum. These polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer. Colorectal screenings are vital because when found early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. It is also important to note that the early stage of colorectal cancer typically does not present any symptoms. Many factors increase a person’s risk of colon cancer, and one of them is the presence of irritable bowel disease.³ Below is a list of symptoms that should be checked out by a physician. While they can occur in those who have colorectal cancer, they can also be caused by other curable conditions:

• A change in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks
• A feeling of having to have a bowel movement that doesn’t go away even after having one
• Rectal bleeding, dark stools, or if you notice blood in the stool
• Stomach discomfort, bloating or any unrelieved stomach pain
• Unexplained weakness and fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

So do I think the benefits of having a colonoscopy outweigh the possible side effects afterwards? Absolutely!